According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM careers are growing faster than any other sector. However, the National Science Foundation tells us that workforce of around 8.65 million people is 84 percent male. Recognizing the vital role representation plays in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math, the university hosted its first-ever STEM@TLU visit day for aspiring young women in June 2018 and is now gearing up for the second annual event on June 10, 2019.

Open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the interactive event allowed young women from across Texas to participate in hands-on lab experiments, meet female STEM professors, current students, and alumni, and learn about potential career paths.

What began as an idea by Physics Department Chair and Professor Toni Sauncy, developed into an all-day visit event co-hosted by TLU’s Office of Admissions and Marketing. With more than 80 young women in attendance last summer, faculty and staff were able to reach a very specific group.

So far, more than 90 high school students have registered to attend the June 10 event, once again showing the interest and demand for strategic programming developed by academic departments and admissions.

“We impressed 80 young women and their families last year and they returned home to tell their friends about TLU and their experience at our visit day,” Vice President of Admissions and Marketing Sarah Story said. “These young women came from diverse backgrounds and schools and were so engaged, respectful, curious, and fun. I can’t wait to host them again. This event reinforced why we do what we do."